Where Did The Trees Go?

I've received a few inquiries regarding the tree clearing down by the Quonset Bike Path. (Actually, I received two emails and was cornered by a third person in CVS while attempting to buy floss.)

For those of you who have not been down Newcomb Road near Fletcher Road lately, here's what you're missing: the area along the bike path, which runs parallel to Newcomb and is right next to , has been completely cleared – brush, trees and all.

Why?

According to Ted Spinard, development services director for Quonset Development Corporation, the tree clearing is part of QDC's site readiness program.

"These are sites that have been identified and are suitable for development," said Spinard. "Basically what we're doing is actually just removing the trees and some of the brush so that, visually, someone can see what the site looks like."

According to Spinard, there are no immediate plans to develop those sites, but these areas (including the one by the bike path) are part of their inventory to develop. Currently, the land is zoned for a light industrial office.

Those worried about development sprouting up along the and overtaking it need not worry, says Spinard. According to him, there is "quite a bit of sites" along the path that aren't going to be touched and are protected by QDC.

"The bike path is there forever," said Spinard.

Have a question about something happening in town? Send it to me at samantha.turner@patch.com and I'll do my best to find the answer.